Authorities search for missing pregnant woman

Officials launched a search for Melissa Rene Sowders, who was reported missing after she was last seen the day after Christmas. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, reportedly told friends she was going to the restaurant to meet her estranged husband and youngest daughter.

January 2, 2014 11:16 AM

Photo: Johnny Hanson

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Matthew Sowders, 28, acknowledges the presence of his father as he is walked out of the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse after his first court appearance. Sowders was charged with capital murder after the body of Melissa Rene Sowders was found in the waters of Cypress Creek. Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. less

Matthew Sowders, 28, acknowledges the presence of his father as he is walked out of the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse after his first court appearance. Sowders was charged ... more

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

Matthew Sowders, 28, acknowledges the presence of his father as he... Photo-5686285.77012 - Houston Chronicle

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David Sowders, center right, father of Matthew Sowders expresses his support for his son who is charge with capital murder as he exits the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. Matthew Sowders' former attorney Dustan Neyland, center left, accompanies David Sowders during the statement to the members of the media. less

David Sowders, center right, father of Matthew Sowders expresses his support for his son who is charge with capital murder as he exits the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in ... more

John Jordan Assistant District Attorney speaks to the media after the first court appearance of Matthew Sowders who is charged with capital murder at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. less

John Jordan Assistant District Attorney speaks to the media after the first court appearance of Matthew Sowders who is charged with capital murder at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston, Monday, ... more

Matthew Sowders, 28, is walked out of the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse after his first court appearance. Sowders was charged with capital murder after the body of Melissa Rene Sowders was found in the waters of Cypress Creek. Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. less

Matthew Sowders, 28, is walked out of the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse after his first court appearance. Sowders was charged with capital murder after the body of Melissa ... more

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

Matthew Sowders, 28, is walked out of the 338th State District... Photo-5686304.77012 - Houston Chronicle

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Authorities from the Harris County Sheriff's Office escort Matthew Sowders into the sheriff's office at 601 Lockwood on Thursday. The estranged husband of Melissa Sowders was arrested hours after a body was found near where the pregnant woman vanished.

Authorities from the Harris County Sheriff's Office escort Matthew Sowders into the sheriff's office at 601 Lockwood on Thursday. The estranged husband of Melissa Sowders was arrested hours after a body was

Jason Sanford, the boyfriend of Melissa Sowders, left, is comforted by a man who wished not to be identified, near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four. less

Jason Sanford, the boyfriend of Melissa Sowders, left, is comforted by a man who wished not to be identified, near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas ... more

Amber Newsom, the sister of Melissa Sowders stands near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four. less

Amber Newsom, the sister of Melissa Sowders stands near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. ... more

The Harris County Sheriff's Department patrols a scene near where Melissa Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four. less

The Harris County Sheriff's Department patrols a scene near where Melissa Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is ... more

Amber Newsom, reacts as she talks about her sister, Melissa Sowders, near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four. less

Amber Newsom, reacts as she talks about her sister, Melissa Sowders, near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they ... more

Texas EquuSearch exits a gate near the scene where Melissa Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four. less

Texas EquuSearch exits a gate near the scene where Melissa Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two ... more

A tear rolls down the cheek of Amber Newsom, the sister of Melissa Sowders as she stands near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four. less

A tear rolls down the cheek of Amber Newsom, the sister of Melissa Sowders as she stands near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

A tear rolls down the cheek of Amber Newsom, the sister of Melissa... Photo-5672104.77012 - Houston Chronicle

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Amber Newsom, the sister of Melissa Sowders stands near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four. less

Amber Newsom, the sister of Melissa Sowders stands near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. ... more

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

The Harris County Sheriff's Department blocks the entry to a property in north Harris County where a body was found that may be Melissa Sowder. She was reported missing last week amid indications that she had been a victim of foul play.

The Harris County Sheriff's Department blocks the entry to a property in north Harris County where a body was found that may be Melissa Sowder. She was reported missing last week amid indications that she had

Texas EquuSearch Tim Miller right, looks over a sonar unit as Texas Equusearch resumed search this morning in Cypress Creek near I-45 where they found sonar image in the water that may be Melissa Sowders who has been missing since December 26th, Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, in Houston. less

Texas EquuSearch Tim Miller right, looks over a sonar unit as Texas Equusearch resumed search this morning in Cypress Creek near I-45 where they found sonar image in the water that may be Melissa Sowders who ... more

Texas EquuSearch members search a wooded area along Cypress Creek at I-45 north of FM-1960 for Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, a pregnant woman who went missing two days ago, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in Houston. Sowders was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26. She told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but police say she has not been seen since. less

Texas EquuSearch members search a wooded area along Cypress Creek at I-45 north of FM-1960 for Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, a pregnant woman who went missing two days ago, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in Houston. ... more

Texas EquuSearch members search near a wooded area in Cypress Creek at I-45 north of FM-1960 for Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, a pregnant woman who went missing two days ago, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in Houston. Sowders was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26. She told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but police say she has not been seen since. less

Texas EquuSearch members search near a wooded area in Cypress Creek at I-45 north of FM-1960 for Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, a pregnant woman who went missing two days ago, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in Houston. ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Texas EquuSearch members search near a wooded area in Cypress Creek... Photo-5653266.77012 - Houston Chronicle

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Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26, according to a release. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, told friends she was going to meet her ex-husband and youngest daughter at the restaurant, but did not return and has not called relatives. (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle)

Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives have been investigating the disappearance of Sowders after she was last seen at a fast food restaurant at FM 1960 and Interstate 45 before noon on Dec. 26,